GTA - Under 12year olds
Discussion
Hi all,
My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
Firstly, good parenting!
Secondly, I don't think there's anything particularly like GTA really. Let alone PG 13. Mainly because GTA is open world. You can get racing stuff like Forza Horizon 4 which is a bit open world but it's a driving game, not GTA. There is mod for GTA5 on the PC that renders it family friendly.
Shooters etc, you could look at Fortnite or Apex Legends as a less violent version of Call Of Duty, but they're shooters, nothing really I know of that bridges both and is less mature. Saints Row is one, but that's just as violent (17 rating I think)
Lego City Undercover is blatantly GTA free roam, but for younger kids and your lad will pull a face at that.
Secondly, I don't think there's anything particularly like GTA really. Let alone PG 13. Mainly because GTA is open world. You can get racing stuff like Forza Horizon 4 which is a bit open world but it's a driving game, not GTA. There is mod for GTA5 on the PC that renders it family friendly.
Shooters etc, you could look at Fortnite or Apex Legends as a less violent version of Call Of Duty, but they're shooters, nothing really I know of that bridges both and is less mature. Saints Row is one, but that's just as violent (17 rating I think)
Lego City Undercover is blatantly GTA free roam, but for younger kids and your lad will pull a face at that.
In all honesty I'd be iffy with a 12 year old and specifically GTAV. I played most of the GTA games in my youth, I was 12 when San Andreas came out and I played it. But GTAV is a different kettle of fish with realism/story telling.
The older ones we're pretty cheesy looking back and had the same engine since GTA3 so everything was a little cartoony, IE, San andreas, there's cutscenes where CJ gets 'successful' with a woman, it just shows the outside of the house and some funny narration. In GTAV there's cutscenes (specifically with the Trevor character) where it just cuts to him balls deep in a crack w
e etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment.
I would likely say proceed with caution or play through with your kid. It's tricky as I would say chap on if he was 13 going on 14? I know he wouldn't turn in to an axe murderer overnight but there are some things in the game that would push the boundary as to what's responsible as a parent to let him watch.
The older ones we're pretty cheesy looking back and had the same engine since GTA3 so everything was a little cartoony, IE, San andreas, there's cutscenes where CJ gets 'successful' with a woman, it just shows the outside of the house and some funny narration. In GTAV there's cutscenes (specifically with the Trevor character) where it just cuts to him balls deep in a crack w
e etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment. I would likely say proceed with caution or play through with your kid. It's tricky as I would say chap on if he was 13 going on 14? I know he wouldn't turn in to an axe murderer overnight but there are some things in the game that would push the boundary as to what's responsible as a parent to let him watch.
Rod200SX said:
In all honesty I'd be iffy with a 12 year old and specifically GTAV. I played most of the GTA games in my youth, I was 12 when San Andreas came out and I played it. But GTAV is a different kettle of fish with realism/story telling.
The older ones we're pretty cheesy looking back and had the same engine since GTA3 so everything was a little cartoony, IE, San andreas, there's cutscenes where CJ gets 'successful' with a woman, it just shows the outside of the house and some funny narration. In GTAV there's cutscenes (specifically with the Trevor character) where it just cuts to him balls deep in a crack we etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment.
I would likely say proceed with caution or play through with your kid. It's tricky as I would say chap on if he was 13 going on 14? I know he wouldn't turn in to an axe murderer overnight but there are some things in the game that would push the boundary as to what's responsible as a parent to let him watch.
Our son is allowed to play the new one, however with zero volume.The older ones we're pretty cheesy looking back and had the same engine since GTA3 so everything was a little cartoony, IE, San andreas, there's cutscenes where CJ gets 'successful' with a woman, it just shows the outside of the house and some funny narration. In GTAV there's cutscenes (specifically with the Trevor character) where it just cuts to him balls deep in a crack w
e etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment. I would likely say proceed with caution or play through with your kid. It's tricky as I would say chap on if he was 13 going on 14? I know he wouldn't turn in to an axe murderer overnight but there are some things in the game that would push the boundary as to what's responsible as a parent to let him watch.
My Dad bought me GTA3 when I was 12, Vice City when I was 13 and San Andreas when I was 15.
I bought GTA5 a few years ago and as others have mentioned, it's a different beast. The earlier versions were more tame and less realistic but I also haven't grown up addicted to drugs, robbed any banks or high-jacked any cars
To be honest, do all his school friends play it? If so then I'd be more inclined to get it for him as you don't want him to be "that kid" who's parents haven't allowed it.
I bought GTA5 a few years ago and as others have mentioned, it's a different beast. The earlier versions were more tame and less realistic but I also haven't grown up addicted to drugs, robbed any banks or high-jacked any cars
To be honest, do all his school friends play it? If so then I'd be more inclined to get it for him as you don't want him to be "that kid" who's parents haven't allowed it.
We went through the same thing - our 10yo wanted to buy GTAV with his birthday money so I directed him to Just Cause 4 instead which he had a lot of fun with.
I don't recall it having much swearing in it (certainly not GTA levels) and although it's violent, it's not gory and is comically over-the-top. You can drive stuff, fly stuff and blow things up so it seems perfect for a little lad.
That said, he's parked it in favour of Farming Simulator
I don't recall it having much swearing in it (certainly not GTA levels) and although it's violent, it's not gory and is comically over-the-top. You can drive stuff, fly stuff and blow things up so it seems perfect for a little lad.
That said, he's parked it in favour of Farming Simulator
On a console you can play GTA online and easily not have communication with other players.
It’s still gta though with ‘adult themes’ everywhere.
I had weird conditions with my kids where they could play gta online with their school friends but my wife didn’t want the kids going into a strip club etc or running drug empires.
It’s a bit of a Pandora’s box tbh. But like I said, it’s gta not a Disney game.
The exploring in the game is awesome though, so it is a shame a clean version couldn’t be made as the depth of things to do is fantastic.
There’s also issues with buying shark cards etc but that’s not limited to GTA.
I think it depends on your kids tbh.
It’s still gta though with ‘adult themes’ everywhere.
I had weird conditions with my kids where they could play gta online with their school friends but my wife didn’t want the kids going into a strip club etc or running drug empires.
It’s a bit of a Pandora’s box tbh. But like I said, it’s gta not a Disney game.
The exploring in the game is awesome though, so it is a shame a clean version couldn’t be made as the depth of things to do is fantastic.
There’s also issues with buying shark cards etc but that’s not limited to GTA.
I think it depends on your kids tbh.
Thanks for the replies guys.
Im not saying that my son, or anyone else, playing GTA will turn into some killer or a we bashing king pin, I just want to keep him away from that until he's older and more mentally ready. Obviously if I ask him whether his friends play the game then it seems everyone in his school is playing, even the teachers :-), you know what kids are like.
Im a contridication really as, he's 11, I allowed him to watch Deadpool with me so I do let him `dabble` in to 18+ plus areas. My worry with consoles is that he would be in his bedroom, 2 hours at time, playing this game and god knows how it will affect him. He plays Fortnite now and I can see he's `wired` when the wifi shuts down after 2 hours.
I will look at some of the suggestions above.
Simon
Im not saying that my son, or anyone else, playing GTA will turn into some killer or a w
e bashing king pin, I just want to keep him away from that until he's older and more mentally ready. Obviously if I ask him whether his friends play the game then it seems everyone in his school is playing, even the teachers :-), you know what kids are like.Im a contridication really as, he's 11, I allowed him to watch Deadpool with me so I do let him `dabble` in to 18+ plus areas. My worry with consoles is that he would be in his bedroom, 2 hours at time, playing this game and god knows how it will affect him. He plays Fortnite now and I can see he's `wired` when the wifi shuts down after 2 hours.
I will look at some of the suggestions above.
Simon
I have kids aged both 9 and 11, some of there friends have this game but the majority don't. I do take a close interest in what they are doing with both their Xbox's and I have to approve any game they want to install.
Interestingly the two I know of in the younger group seem to be the kids with "issues", one swears alot (youngest now blocks him from voice chat) and the other has personal problems that I won't go into here. But there is a common trend in the parenting styles...
In the older group are kids that have always come across as more grown up, although one of the parents admitted to me he wasn't happy with his decision to let his kid play it after seeing and hearing the content (he is an ex GTA 3 player himself).
Mine won't be getting it anytime soon due to the content, despite peer pressure ( I can see the draw though )
Interestingly the two I know of in the younger group seem to be the kids with "issues", one swears alot (youngest now blocks him from voice chat) and the other has personal problems that I won't go into here. But there is a common trend in the parenting styles...
In the older group are kids that have always come across as more grown up, although one of the parents admitted to me he wasn't happy with his decision to let his kid play it after seeing and hearing the content (he is an ex GTA 3 player himself).
Mine won't be getting it anytime soon due to the content, despite peer pressure ( I can see the draw though
)It is a no from me and I'm not puritanical in any sense.
Age recommendations are there for a reason.
My boys are 8 and 9 and I have a zero gun and violence rule both for films and games as I don't see how becoming inured to violence is of any benefit to their young minds as it is of no benefit to mine as an adult.
The fact that their peers may be playing them is up to their parents and to be fair, in my very humble opinion, relenting to the peer pressure of young children is lazy parenting.
You can do worse than considering other options.
Age recommendations are there for a reason.
My boys are 8 and 9 and I have a zero gun and violence rule both for films and games as I don't see how becoming inured to violence is of any benefit to their young minds as it is of no benefit to mine as an adult.
The fact that their peers may be playing them is up to their parents and to be fair, in my very humble opinion, relenting to the peer pressure of young children is lazy parenting.
You can do worse than considering other options.
sbk1972 said:
Hi all,
My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
Honestly there's no real decent alternative like GTA.My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
I used to buying 18 games when I was 11/12, I still remember asking an old man to go an buy the game for me as I stood outside Game.
I've turned out OK as have most of mates, except the one arrested for assaulting strippers.
sbk1972 said:
Hi all,
My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
No there isn't.My son is desparate for GTA however I dont feel comfortable with that. Is there a version of GTA, or a similar game, for younger game players ?
He said he wants to drive a long, make money, and do the core functions within GTA so if I can find a more `child friendly` version then I will buy it,
Im not a gamer player so thought I would as you guys on here
Simon
I was playing GTA 3 when I was 10.
My worst vice is swearing which I would attribute more to the rap music I listen to since childhood.
I was also not really raised as such having a very bad relationship with my mother.
Most of the bad parenting cards I had dealt and I'm successful(ish) with a decent job.
Of course you make whatever decision you are happy with but don't think because he is young playing GTA will turn him into some violent dick head.
Well there is not much you can do in the game that is not violent, I guess drive about alone... I mean, you can steal a car which involves dragging someone out of the their car and usually running them over..... You can play it on the Playstation "online" in a server of your own too so no grief from other kids and no abusive speaking. But the way to make money is generally to steal and rob and kill and so on. PS get him the Criminal Enterprises version - gets a few nice free cars and £1m in cash.
Rod200SX said:
In GTAV there's cutscenes (specifically with the Trevor character) where it just cuts to him balls deep in a crack we etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment.
To be fair though you only see her bent over. Not like you see his dick or her lady garden. e etc. GTAV is I would say hyper-realistic. There's a torture scene that I wouldn't be comfortable letting a kid watch. Online AFAIK is a bit safer but then you've got the issue of other people chatting st, being a pest and ruining his enjoyment. I guess I just hold gaming quite close to my heart and given my own personal youth experiences and then assuming that some people will have a better upbringing than me then in all likelyhood there is no harm to be had.
At end of the day kids will just watch the same stuff they'd play on Youtube and guarantee you that most kids are already looking up gory stuff at break at school with their mates at 12!
Trophy Husband said:
It is a no from me and I'm not puritanical in any sense.
Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
So you're saying at 16 you wouldn't let your child play GTA?Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
Age restrictions are horrifically outdated.
You can drive a car at 17 but not play GTA at 18/
You can legally have sex at 16 but not play a game that has nudity until you're 18.
Logic fail?!
xjay1337 said:
Trophy Husband said:
It is a no from me and I'm not puritanical in any sense.
Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
So you're saying at 16 you wouldn't let your child play GTA?Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
Age restrictions are horrifically outdated.
You can drive a car at 17 but not play GTA at 18/
You can legally have sex at 16 but not play a game that has nudity until you're 18.
Logic fail?!
Yes, you can drive a car at 17 but you certainly cannot drag a granny out of her car, beat her up and then run over her to drive said car. Logic Fail.
Yes, you can have sex at 16 but I would hope it wasn't with a hooker bent over a bar so you can rear end her. Logic Fail.
Apples and oranges.
The discussion is about an under 12 playing GTA not 16 to 18 year olds. Logic Fail.
As far as I'm concerned this is a game for adults or mature, well rounded teenagers. How many kids with sheeite lives are locked in their rooms playing these games and becoming desensitised to violence and the objectification of women? Cognitive dissonance is a real thing and normalises bad stuff.
My father was a copper and he recalls very vividly how damaging the viewing of child pornography by adult police officers was during investigations when that was their day in, day out job. They became less horrified. Tha'ts cognitive dissonance at play. Young, developing minds are even more susceptible to it.
Why, when you could avoid potentially damaging your child's young mind would you choose not to? Logic Fail.
Trophy Husband said:
xjay1337 said:
Trophy Husband said:
It is a no from me and I'm not puritanical in any sense.
Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
So you're saying at 16 you wouldn't let your child play GTA?Age recommendations are there for a reason.
.
Age restrictions are horrifically outdated.
You can drive a car at 17 but not play GTA at 18/
You can legally have sex at 16 but not play a game that has nudity until you're 18.
Logic fail?!
Yes, you can drive a car at 17 but you certainly cannot drag a granny out of her car, beat her up and then run over her to drive said car. Logic Fail.
Yes, you can have sex at 16 but I would hope it wasn't with a hooker bent over a bar so you can rear end her. Logic Fail.
Apples and oranges.
The discussion is about an under 12 playing GTA not 16 to 18 year olds. Logic Fail.
As far as I'm concerned this is a game for adults or mature, well rounded teenagers. How many kids with sheeite lives are locked in their rooms playing these games and becoming desensitised to violence and the objectification of women? Cognitive dissonance is a real thing and normalises bad stuff.
My father was a copper and he recalls very vividly how damaging the viewing of child pornography by adult police officers was during investigations when that was their day in, day out job. They became less horrified. Tha'ts cognitive dissonance at play. Young, developing minds are even more susceptible to it.
Why, when you could avoid potentially damaging your child's young mind would you choose not to? Logic Fail.
There’s real links between pornography causing problems in people’s real lives like erectile disfunction or worse for people having to watch child pornography for their job but no links between video game violence and real violence.
Most people can recognise that playing a video game isn’t real and the affects are completely different than the damage caused by watching real sex acts or videos of real acts of violence like snuff videos etc,
Gassing Station | Video Games | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff